How is return on plan assets calculated?

Return on plan assets is calculated by evaluating the revenue generated from those assets while also considering the associated costs. This includes the income earned from the investments, such as interest, dividends, and realized gains on the sale of the assets, subtracting any costs that directly impact the net outcome, such as administration costs and taxes.

This approach provides a clearer picture of how effectively the plan's assets are being utilized to generate returns for the beneficiaries. It goes beyond just recognizing the gross revenue by accounting for necessary expenditures that can reduce the actual benefit from those assets. Therefore, it provides a more comprehensive view of the performance of the plan's investments over a specific period.